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Ugandan Activist Sentenced for Vulgar Poem About President

Salem Solomon

   In a cacophonous sentencing hearing filled with profanity and nudity, a
   Ugandan court has found activist Stella Nyanzi guilty of "cyber
   harassment" for posting a poem on Facebook that harshly criticized
   President Yoweri Museveni.

   Nyanzi was sentenced Friday to 18 months in Luzira Women's Prison, in
   suburban Kampala. She has already served nine months while awaiting
   trial.

   Magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu said she opted for a prison sentence rather
   than a fine because Nyanzi showed no remorse, and because incidents of
   cyber harassment are on the rise.

   During the heated hearing Friday, Nyanzi, who appeared in the courtroom
   via a video feed from the maximum-security prison where she's been
   held, repeatedly shouted profanities and flashed her breasts, with
   prison guards standing behind.

   Supporters in the courtroom responded to her ongoing acts of defiance
   with applause. Nyanzi said she gladly accepted the punishment, adding
   that she was "born for this moment."

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